The Iran vs New Zealand World Cup clash in Los Angeles delivered everything fans could ask for.
Four goals, endless drama, and two teams refusing to back down.
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New Zealand came flying out the blocks with a dream start.
Motherwell forward Elijah Just thumped home a half volley after Chris Wood cleverly held up the ball and knocked it into his path.
The Kiwis were dreaming of a historic first win on the biggest stage.
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But Iran had other ideas.
The first hydration break midway through the opening half changed the entire flow of the match.
Momentum swung sharply and Iran found a way back.
Ramin Rezaeian flicked the ball past Max Crocombe to level things up.
Before that equaliser, Mehdi Taremi nearly made it happen himself when he rattled the post with a fierce drive from outside the box.
Iran even had a goal ruled out for offside shortly after making it 1-1.
The warning signs were all there.
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New Zealand took time to settle after the break.
Then Elijah Just popped up again.
Combining with Wood once more, he lofted the ball beautifully over Alireza Beiranvand to restore New Zealand’s lead.
For a moment, that elusive first World Cup victory felt within reach.
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Iran simply refused to accept that script.
Mohammad Mohebbi met a Rezaeian cross and guided a header in off the inside of the post.
Parity restored again.
Both sides pushed hard for a winner but neither could find the decisive blow.
Iran fired off 17 shots across the match.
New Zealand managed 14 of their own.
Goalkeepers were busy, posts were rattled, but the final whistle blew with nothing separating them.
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Politics had dominated the build up to this match.
Until this week, the host nation the United States had been at war with Iran.
A peace deal halting hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz was only announced on Sunday.
Iranian staff members were denied visas for the US and the team had to train in Mexico instead of their planned base in Arizona.
Once the whistle blew, none of that mattered.
Football stole the show completely.
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Iran played slick, well drilled football in the final third.
Their attacking talent, led by Taremi, was an imposing presence from the start.
They showed constant urgency and pushed New Zealand onto the back foot repeatedly.
New Zealand matched that energy blow for blow.
The partnership between Just and Wood caused Iran problems all night.
It was an open, exciting contest that left fans breathless.
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Every team in Group G now sits on one point.
Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in their opening match.
The group is wide open and neither Iran nor New Zealand will be disappointed with a point, though the Kiwis will feel they let a golden chance slip.
Rezaeian took player of the match honours for his goal and assist, a performance that kept Iran alive in the tournament.
The World Cup has truly arrived.
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That hydration break completely flipped the game. New Zealand were cruising until everyone stopped for water lmao
Happened in like three matches already this tournament. Whoever schedules those breaks has too much power
Iran came back like a different team after that pause. Coaches must be using that minute wisely
Elijah Just take a bow son. Two goals at a World Cup against a proper side. Motherwell fans eating good tonight
Chris Wood assist merchant though. Held up the ball twice and set him up perfectly both times
Wood is so underrated. Does the dirty work and never gets the headlines
That lofted finish over the keeper was cheeky as hell
Imagine being told a week ago Iran would be playing in LA while at war with the US. Now they are drawing World Cup games like it is normal
The visa stuff is still mad. Staff could not even get into the country and the players had to train in Mexico
Mexico getting all these random training camp boosts this year
Politics vanished the second the game kicked off. Thats the beauty of football honestly
Rezaeian with a goal and an assist. Man of the match deserved. That cross for Mohebbi header was pinpoint
Iran left back turned playmaker. Love to see it
Header off the inside of the post too. So satisfying to watch
New Zealand will be kicking themselves. You score two goals at a World Cup you should be walking away with three points
They matched Iran shot for shot though. 14 attempts is nothing to be ashamed of
First win so close they could taste it and Iran just kept saying nope
Story of their tournament so far. Promising but not quite there
Group G is chaos. Everyone on one point. Belgium drawing with Egypt too. This group is going down to the wire
Best kind of group. No one safe and no one out yet
Watch Belgium suddenly wake up and smash everyone now